Top 5 Historical Facts About Driving Test

Most citizens are free and willing to take to their chances to get their hands the official driving-go-card (license). 10% citizens never shown up for the driving test due to the fear of failure and introvert nature.

Here’s the list of top 5 historical facts about driving test that may help in boosting your morale up.

1. Mr. J Beene – 1935

Eighty-two (82) years ago, a man by the name of J. Beene is considered to be the first person ever to successfully pass his driving test and receive the license in the history of driving. On a fine afternoon of March 16th, 1935, Mr. J took charge of the steering and pedaled towards history.

A little do people know that there were no training centers at that time (1935) and citizens had to arrange their own private off-the record meeting in order to meet the examiner. Most of the meetings were held either nearby train station or roads adjacent to post offices.

2.World War II – You’re Suspended

There’s a reason why we should consider wars as the worst solution for any international or democratic problem. During world war II, the conduction of driving was completely suspended due to the fact that people were still inclined to learned driving through a proper channel and receive certification for it (similar to the reasons why cinemas were banned).

However, as things started to slow down, it was resumed on November 1st, 1946.

3. No Signals – Seriously

There were significant increases in developments, innovations, and technological advancements after the war. Interestingly, drivers had to use their hand gestures to point out the direction to turn. Imagine how hectic could it be for you if you had to wave your hand all day for cars behind or in front of you.

Until in 1975, all the candidates appearing for the test are exempted to demonstrate hand signals during the test.

4. The Theory of Driving

Tests were way simpler before in terms of passing criteria. In 1996, the government imposed a questionnaire test based questions related to Highway Code and basic driving knowledge. Now people might remember this fact but I’m pretty sure none of us know why they took this initiative.

Upon formal discussion, authoritative personnel from DVLA revealed that 51% drivers before 1996 were either illiterate or found difficulty complying with signs since it was only about driving back then. Therefore, to increase road and driving education, the government made it as mandatory to appear before theory test in order to get the license.

5. Hazards Hazards … Everywhere!

According to the Britain’s government, driving was more dangerous and perilous of imminent risks 78 years ago than today. There were approximately 7343 road causalities with just 2.4 million vehicles driven on the road. Imagine how difficult it could be for you to cross a single road in the 1940s.

In 2015, 1732 were killed in car accidents with 36.5 million licensed vehicles on the Great Britain’s road.